Quotable Quotes

Some thoughts from the OED and its files on

Over-assiduous recycling...
1614 B. Jonson Bartholmew Fayre, To be euer busie, and mis-take away the bottles and cannes..before they be halfe drunke off.

...they did what?...
1802 E. Forster tr. Arabian Nights, They showed a piece of wood, which they falsely affirmed to be a mole, of which the sultana had been delivered.

...clubbing in Regency London...
1818 Keats Letters 5 Jan, I am getting initiated into a little band... Stopping at a tavern they call hanging out. Where do you sup? [is] where do you hang out?

...if the cap fits...
1897 Dictionary of National Biography, As he advanced in years, Smellie developed a slouching gait and became somewhat slovenly in his dress and appearance.

...don't try this at home...
1924 D. C. Minter Children's Parties, Musical Arms. This game is played in the same way as Musical Chairs, without, however, using chairs.

...and a health warning for dentists...
1998 Medline (article title), Viagra presents special concerns for the hygienist and the dental team.